KUALA LUMPUR, July 28 (Bernama) — Hotel operators which have yet to obtain halal certificates from the Islamic Development Department of Malaysia (Jakim) have been urged to get their certifications to ensure that the food and drinks they served during Ramadan are halal.

Jakim director-general Othman Mustapha said the department had simplified the certification process and it can now be obtained within a day.

“We have sent out letters to them and about 80 per cent of hotels in the Federal Territories have obtained their certifications.

“There are also special officers to process the certifications should an urgent approval is needed,” he told reporters after opening the Federal Territories Nasyid Festival 2011 at the Islamic Centre complex, here Thursday.

He said hotel operators who failed to display the halal certificate can be fined under the Trade Descriptions Act 1972.

“We will carry out operations from time to time. We will also act based on complaints from the public,” he said.